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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 10:35:38 AM

Title: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 10:35:38 AM
Hey guys,
 So long story short, I though I had a mole issue with borrow holes in the back yard. In the end its rats. Yeah. I dont know where they came from as I dont live near any big cities, no livestock etc. So my need to get rid of them as landed me here….

I think I want a gas spring/nitro gun, most deff. not a PCP. Im not against springers, but the quieter the gun the better. I live in a neighborhood so I would be picking them off at night. I do want a .22 caliber for its knock down power, and less likely to break the sound barrier. Whatever you guys recommend, then I can always dog deeper into that specific forum. I'd even buy an old air gun used that's worth it too. I'm opened for suggestions...

Now for nightvision, could I get something like this from Firefield 16001?

Or maybe I should just get a red LED flashlight?

What about scope recommendations?

Any and all help here would be greatly appreciated.

Budget on a pellet rifle would be around 250$.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on March 25, 2017, 10:49:01 AM
Rats?
In Maryland?
Go figure?

For two legged rats (I was born in Baltimore) you are on your own.

For the four-legged variety, I use a mixture of Kibbles and Bits along with a slice of American (no foreign cheese) rolled up into little balls.
I place them on a 2x4, backed up by another 2x4 for safety.
I then shine a light on the cheese, step back about 15 yards to my shooting bench, load the scoped, 1720t and wait. It doesn't take long. A repeater is not required in my experience.

Here is one from last year:(http://i1356.photobucket.com/albums/q733/barnydaddy/6e47e6647a97f9bc13dfa5ea9918d560_zpsfwnuqj2t.jpg)

That is a 12" stepping stone..

Good luck.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Deckard1973 on March 25, 2017, 10:49:57 AM
A few years ago I had a problem with rats too.  I was using a .22 PCP to dispatch them.  But I did find the Crow magnum pellets worked very well.
If you do a search in the Hunting gate under my username you will find some pics of the results. 

I also found the rats would gather around the bird feeders looking for spilled bird seed either early in the morning, or just as dusk was settling in.  You could put out one of those walkway solar powered LEDs, put some bird seed around it.  Let them get used to coming out to the walkway light.  Then start picking them off. 

As for scopes, low light shooting, I think the larger the objective the better.  I could be wrong though!  I was using a IOR 4x24 and I did ok. 
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on March 25, 2017, 10:58:47 AM
Get on the Hunting gate and Read Posts from BenjiHunter !        That Guy has Solutions !        Best Regards. -  Tom
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Roadworthy on March 25, 2017, 11:17:50 AM
You may wish to check ordinances where you live.  Some cities permit air guns, others do not.

Do you plan to practice with your new acquisition?  Spring piston airguns take a certain knack to shoot accurately.  Some are easier to shoot accurately than others.

Do you really want a spring piston airgun?  You may be happier with a multi pump gun.  The shot cycle on them is more like a regular firearm.  The learning curve is much shorter.

If the range if fairly short a CO2 powered gun may even be preferable. 
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 11:18:27 AM
Thanks so far guys.

And yeah the 4 legged onea gotta go! The others stay self contained for the most part..  lol
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 11:20:38 AM
You may wish to check ordinances where you live.  Some cities permit air guns, others do not.

Do you plan to practice with your new acquisition?  Spring piston airguns take a certain knack to shoot accurately.  Some are easier to shoot accurately than others.

Do you really want a spring piston airgun?  You may be happier with a multi pump gun.  The shot cycle on them is more like a regular firearm.  The learning curve is much shorter.

If the range if fairly short a CO2 powered gun may even be preferable.

What makes them hard to shoot? Also I'd prefer not co2 as it's just one more expense of have to acquire to shoot, ya know what I mean?
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: JimL911 on March 25, 2017, 12:11:59 PM
You don't need lots of power, rams would be overkill. Something in the HW30, Diana 240 or XS12 in .177 would do the trick.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Radrob on March 25, 2017, 12:19:37 PM
I recently shot a Stoeger X20S and was impressed at how quiet and easy it was to cock. A .22 will drop squirrels with no problem too.

https://www.amazon.com/Stoeger-X20S-Suppressor-Air-Rifle/dp/B01IDKXC4Y?th=1&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Stoeger-X20S-Suppressor-Air-Rifle/dp/B01IDKXC4Y?th=1&psc=1)
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 02:50:18 PM
Thanks guys I'd like to get something that would be multipurpose versus good enough for just for rats, ya know what I mean?
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 04:15:52 PM
Rats? Lovely! :D
Since they are burrowing, they are probably Brown Rats.
These guys you can find anywhere on the planet except the polar regions.
As for the gun, I would get a Diana 34 .22.
Not expensive and very accurate.
If you make a bait station, you can use a stationary light.
Good hunt.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Ozarkairgunner on March 25, 2017, 04:45:28 PM
Man I just delt with this myself, I put  a slice of apple out with a bit of peanut butter and shot them as they come out with my .177 2400kt
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Plekto on March 25, 2017, 06:38:38 PM
The perfect low cost rat gun is a 1322.  You only need 3-5 pumps and the noise is fairly low. 
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: floydlong on March 25, 2017, 07:09:58 PM
How about putting $150 back in your pocket. A Daisy 880 and a $45 Centerpoint scope along with the bait and solar light and you are set to go. Prolly shoot real well with CPUMs. Do I hear a SPLAT!?
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Geoff on March 25, 2017, 07:20:22 PM
How about putting $150 back in your pocket. A Daisy 880 and a $45 Centerpoint scope along with the bait and solar light and you are set to go. Prolly shoot real well with CPUMs. Do I hear a SPLAT!?


unless you have a desire to spend the $$ on a higher end rifle, or money to burn .. I would agree with Floyd.  that will take care of rats for you well enough and you get out fairly inexpensively.  if you suddenly enjoy airguns, you will have time to look over the various types and make a slightly more informed decision.

just my 2 cents friend
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: wjjones on March 25, 2017, 07:22:52 PM
Why do you think you need .22?  At what distance will you be shooting?  Rats are not that big and "knock down" power is not necessary.  It doesn't sound like you're an airgun enthusiast and you probably wont be shooting thousands of rounds per year like us.  You can find an accurate enough and powerful enough Daisy 880 or Crosman 2100 to meet your needs.  Heck, a pistol could do the job at 10-15 yards.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: RedFeather on March 25, 2017, 07:30:59 PM
Regardless of which you choose to dispatch them, I think you should try to find out what drew them to your yard.  Someone leavingtrash, dog food, etc out?  Besides being targets, they pose a health hazard.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Dave19113 on March 25, 2017, 07:37:00 PM
I just picked up the Gamo swarm....

 199.99 in 22 or 177...

I have the .22.... pretty accurate...

More than enough power and reasonably quiet, plus its a 10 shot mag....

I was just shooting rats this weekend, I was using my TX200 MKIII  in 22 and crushing them but you would be spending a little more
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 07:57:53 PM
As always thanks.

I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy. I don't mind spending the money on a good gun that will work for multiple things, if that makes sense .
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Dave19113 on March 25, 2017, 08:06:55 PM
As always thanks.

I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy. I don't mind spending the money on a good gun that will work for multiple things, if that makes sense .

Definetly give a look at the Air Arms TX200 MKIII then if you dont mind the extra $$$.... great gun and if your RH then Sportsmans guide has them for 566.00 (if your a member)

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/air-arms-tx200-mk-iii-air-rifle-underlever-action177-22-caliber-1-round?a=2070955 (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/air-arms-tx200-mk-iii-air-rifle-underlever-action177-22-caliber-1-round?a=2070955)
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Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 08:18:22 PM
As always thanks.

I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy. I don't mind spending the money on a good gun that will work for multiple things, if that makes sense .
Sounds like a Diana 34 or HW97 K  .22 ( I would get the .20)  ;) if you can spend the money.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: wahoowad on March 25, 2017, 08:26:02 PM
I would order a Weihrauch HW50s from Krale for under $250 and you would be getting one of the finest airguns in it's class. World renowned Rekord trigger which will spoil you and make you only appreciate finer things. This is a hobby - spoil yourself. You can always save money on less important things in life.

Then get a Leapers 3-9x40 scope with illuminated reticle, or a 3-12x40.

PM me if you have questions. I love shooting rats with fine German air rifles   ;D
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 08:49:37 PM
Is there any place to buy used pellet guns at? I don't mind used. But if prefer from a decent place which would help me from getting screwed on eBay etc.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 08:50:53 PM
As always thanks.

I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy. I don't mind spending the money on a good gun that will work for multiple things, if that makes sense .
Sounds like a Diana 34 or HW97 K  .22 ( I would get the .20)  ;) if you can spend the money.

You can't throw on a scope on the Diana right, well it needs a special adapter, correct? And why .20 over .22?
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: A.K.A. Tommy Boy on March 25, 2017, 08:52:34 PM
Is there any place to buy used pellet guns at? I don't mind used. But if prefer from a decent place which would help me from getting screwed on eBay etc.
                                              You might want to Check out the GTA Classified for starters.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: 39M on March 25, 2017, 08:57:05 PM
Just one airgun for everything? Blasphemy!!!

I'm all for getting a nice powerful springer or gas ram. But unless you got a big backyard, it's probably too much.
So get one if you want something else to shoot at longer ranges.....
And then get something a little more docile for covert tat slaying.

There's a few low power springers out there that are quiet and plenty powerful enough for rats at backyard range.

The 1377 or 1322 would work.

I wouldn't rule out co2 for a house gun. It don't cost that much. The 2400kt with a TKO would be ideal for rats and short range targets. As would the Umarex Fusion.

And a inexpensive pump rifle would work.
I'd choose the Daisy 901 over the 880 or the Crosman 2100.
But I might choose the Crosman 1300kt over that.

Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: 39M on March 25, 2017, 08:58:50 PM
Is there any place to buy used pellet guns at? I don't mind used. But if prefer from a decent place which would help me from getting screwed on eBay etc.
Just about every pawn shop I go into has one or ten pellet guns. Most common is a cheap springer or gas ram.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 09:06:04 PM
As always thanks.

I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy. I don't mind spending the money on a good gun that will work for multiple things, if that makes sense .
Sounds like a Diana 34 or HW97 K  .22 ( I would get the .20)  ;) if you can spend the money.

You can't throw on a scope on the Diana right, well it needs a special adapter, correct? And why .20 over .22?
You can use a scope on the Diana.
Use a drooper mount from RWS.
With the .20 caliber you get the best from both .177 and ,.22
Second reason is that my HW97K in .20 is incredibly accurate. 8)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y425/benjihunter1322/Airguns/D34brake_zps24a1b054.jpg)
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Taso1000 on March 25, 2017, 09:13:05 PM
Frank,

How big of a rat problem are you talking about?  Poison and traps may not be as fun but may be more effective.

As someone also said previously, you need to consider the health risks rats present.

Thanks,

Taso
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 09:13:39 PM
Alright guys appreciate it. Now I have to do some reading and see where I wanna go.

I'm a bit afraid about people talking about the inherent issues with shooting a springer. And the recoil affecting your shot etc. I don't want to get one then hate it.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 09:15:33 PM
Frank,

How big of a rat problem are you talking about?  Poison and traps may not be as fun but may be more effective.

As someone also said previously, you need to consider the health risks rats present.

Thanks,

Taso

I don't want to put poison out and then a fox or something else eats the dead rat. Now I'm killing the good animals too...
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 09:16:16 PM
Alright guys appreciate it. Now I have to do some reading and see where I wanna go.

I'm a bit afraid about people talking about the inherent issues with shooting a springer. And the recoil affecting your shot etc. I don't want to get one then hate it.
That's why I suggested both the Diana 34 and the HW97k.
They are not hold sensitive. Very easy to shoot accurately.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: 19Sheridan57 on March 25, 2017, 09:20:17 PM
  I have gotten rid of many rats with my Sheridan. No need to pump it up to maximum, just a few pumps & shoot. If there is a lot of food out there for them, they won't pay much attention to the noise & other rats getting killed close to them. You can also do this at night.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Taso1000 on March 25, 2017, 09:25:00 PM
Frank,

I hadn't considered the poison going up the food chain.  Thank you.  We don't want that. 

What about traps and removing what is attracting them to your yard?

Taso
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 09:28:33 PM
One thing you have to remember is that if you one rat, you probably have at least 20 more close by.
Probably more. Brown rats have families up to 200 members.
Trapping is slow. Shooting them is faster.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: wahoowad on March 25, 2017, 09:34:18 PM
Shoot and post pictures  ;D
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 25, 2017, 09:35:44 PM
Shoot and post pictures  ;D
+1
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: 39M on March 25, 2017, 09:53:19 PM
Shoot and post pictures  ;D
Yeah. And do aa dissection..... or an autopsy?
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: moeb74 on March 25, 2017, 10:38:30 PM
Frank,

I hadn't considered the poison going up the food chain.  Thank you.  We don't want that. 

What about traps and removing what is attracting them to your yard?

Taso

Honestly unsure. I always thought they were mole holes. Then got out the game camera, and it's "dang" rats. I dont live in a bad neighborhood, everyone is good around here etc.... I honestly don't know. I'm not SCARED per-se but it's unsettling...
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: 39M on March 25, 2017, 10:42:25 PM
Just go grab a cheap pumper, set out some bait and a light, and start poppin'm.

Then you can take your time picking out a springer or whatever.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Oldgringo on March 25, 2017, 11:02:52 PM
I've not lived anywhere near any quadraped rats that I was aware of.  I do have moles and gophers...... :(
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: Slinging Lead on March 26, 2017, 09:44:04 PM
Trapping is slow boring. Shooting them is faster funner.
Title: Re: So now I have rats... Need some insight please!
Post by: BenjiHunter on March 26, 2017, 09:48:30 PM
Trapping is slow boring. Shooting them is faster funner.
I can agree with that.